Cong to EC: Modi violated code

The Congress demanded filing of an FIR against Narendra Modi claiming he has violated election rules and the model code of conduct as his roadshow and filing of nomination in Varanasi— which was beamed live by television networks — amounted to influencing the voters in the 117 Lok Sabha constituencies which went to polls Thursday.

Congress leader Anand Sharma said the filing of nomination on a polling day was “well-planned to influence the voters”. “The sanctity of the voting and the electoral process in 117 constituencies has been brazenly violated. The model code has been thrown to the winds and section 126 of the Representation of the Peoples Act stand violated…. We want the Election Commission to register an FIR against the BJP leaders who were present and that includes their candidate Narendra Modi,” he said.

Sharma was critical of the Election Commission as he asked “why the election commission was not alert” and why it did not direct “the media that it (roadshow and filing of nomination) cannot be telecast until the last vote is polled”. It alleged that EC “inaction” on previous violations of code of conduct had given the BJP an opportunity to flout the electoral laws.A Congress delegation met Election Commissioners and formally lodged the protest. Sharma said the Congress does not want the EC to send mere notices, but want action.